top: thrifted | shorts: cut offs, originally old navy | tights: target | shoes: target | belt: thrifted

We've been having the kind of weather that makes you happy to be alive. The mornings are crisp enough to warrant a sweatshirt and the afternoon melts into a sunshine-y haze of warmth and you want to spend every waking minute outside. Lately, I've been taking lots of walks around the neighborhood to take advantage of the weather (above photos taken on said walks) and it's making me miss Europe. I miss how walking and bicycling is the main transportation, unlike way-too-car-oriented-America. It's hard to walk or bike anyway here without people giving you pitying glances, like "Oh, she doesn't have a car! Or she must be having car trouble! So terrible!" Regardless, I've been making an effort to greet people that I pass when walking. It's not that I try to be arrogant, but sometimes I get lost in my own little world and avoid meeting the eye of the man working in his yard as I walk past to avoid awkwardness. Instead, I've been trying hard to wave a little and be the first to say a friendly hello. You'd be amazed at how much better it makes you feel when you acknowledge you're not the only person on the planet.
In honor of this, I say we start a revolution. Start walking or bicycling more, even if it's just around your neighborhood, to remind both yourself and others that a car is not the only way to get around. Be the first to say hi. Keep a smile on your face. Let's bring back the yesteryears.

Things to be happy about, edition nine:

walks around the neighborhood and walking in general | eating pickles straight from the jar with my brother while sitting on a bench (long story) | tights, especially polka dot ones, with shorts | an organized desk and organized notes | the fact that I have a future to plan for | curtains that catch on a breeze | dreaming in german | september in general

What are some things you're happy about?

top: c/o sugarlips || blazer: theory || shorts: cutoffs || shoes: target || belt: thrifted || bracelets: miscellaneous

It's been proper summer weather here lately (i.e., hot). Most days I just want to sit in the pool and drape my sweaty frame in front of the air conditioner vent, but sometimes I muster up the courage to brave the heat and go out to further explore the town. One of my favorite things about this pretty city of mine is the rich history, despite it only being just over a hundred years old. Case in point: I had the chance to go inside a B-17 bomber from World War II last week. The nineteen forties/World War II have intrigued me for as long as I can remember (which is probably explains why Captain America is a favorite movie of mine...in addition to the whole Chris Evans part, that is) and when I stepped onto that plane, I felt transported back in time. And dressed in my pretty lacy tank, courtesy of the lovely folks at Sugarlips, the heat wasn't so bad either. Definitely two things to be happy about!

Adding to my happy list...

the smell and feel of sheets dried in the sun || the color white, the warm kind that changes color in the light || little sisters that snuggle in your bed early in the morning || the moment during a summer night when it switches from hot to mercifully cool || pulling weeds out by the roots || the feeling when your sun-warmed skin slips into the pool || the 1940s and history in general ||


What are some things on your happy list?

shirt: target // skirt: thrifted // shoes: target // belt: forever 21 // necklace: forever 21

My brain is officially fried (so I apologize if nothing makes sense) and I'm exhausted, but my sophomore year is finally over and summer is here. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. I wish I could have enjoyed them more, but it was just rush-rush-rush, work-work-work, try-to-get-everything-done-in-time. June is looking pretty busy too, but I'm looking forward to having a bit more time to--gasp--relax.
And yes, I feel like a broken record, so I'll stop talking about summer now.

Things to be happy about...

warm summer nights || chocolate ice cream with brownies || carrots from my garden || spontaneous mid-morning adventures || ballet performances || simplifying and reorganizing || my beautiful mama || exciting summer plans || good hair days || dancing in the front yard || being done with school (obviously)

What's on your happy list?

Have a beautiful day, friends!

[dress, shrug, shoes: target // scarf + belt: thrifted// tights: forever 21]

I'm sure I'm not the only one longing for summer, but until then, I've been soaking up this February spring weather and gardening in a polka dot dress (I totally felt like a nineteen fifties housewife). My window is almost always open in the afternoon, the sun streaming through the panes. Have I ever mentioned how much I love having a room in the west part of the house? Oh, and I've been getting my sugar fix in before I give it all up tomorrow. I'm actually really excited about going on a (completely) sugar-free diet...I'm trying it out during lent (are you giving anything up?), but who knows, maybe I'll stay sugar free.

Things to be happy about, volume three:

salted chocolate chip cookies // lilly and her sweet friend jojo all dressed up to go on a date (they are the most adorable couple ever and are destined to marry one day) // the rich, damp smell of spring // the fact that i am less than 100 days from being done with school for the year // grilled cheese sandwiches with strawberry jam // afternoon sunlight streaming into a tidy room // polka dot dresses and messy buns
xo